Avocado: Benefits, tips and practical advice : Your online pharmacy selection

What are the health benefits ofavocado?

Avocados are exceptionally rich in essential nutrients, offering a multitude of health benefits. It's an excellent source of good fats, especially monounsaturated fatty acids, which help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL). It's also packed with vitamins (including vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E and several B vitamins) and essential minerals such as potassium, which plays a key role in regulating blood pressure.

Thanks to its high fiber content,avocados help improve digestion, promote intestinal transit and prolong the feeling of satiety, which can be beneficial for weight management. Antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin are essential for preserving eye health and reducing the risk of degenerative diseases.

Finally,avocados have anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve joint pain and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Isavocado good for skin and hair?

Yes,avocados are an essential beauty ally, thanks to their high vitamin and essential fatty acid content. It provides deep nourishment and long-lasting hydration, making it particularly beneficial for dry, sensitive skin.

Avocado oil, rich in omega-9, vitamin E and plant sterols, helps strengthen the skin barrier, prevent premature aging and reduce skin inflammation. It is ideal for soothing irritation, reducing scarring and promoting cell regeneration.

For hair,avocado adds shine, softness and strength. Applied as a hair mask, it repairs damaged hair, fights frizz and stimulates growth by deeply nourishing the scalp.

Doesavocado make you fat?

Contrary to popular belief,avocados are not a food that promotes weight gain, even though they are high in calories due to their high lipid content. The fats it contains are healthy and promote better weight management by providing a lasting feeling of satiety.

One study has shown that eating avocado regularly can even help you lose weight, as it helps reduce cravings and control your appetite. So it's perfectly possible to incorporateavocado into a balanced diet without fear of excessive weight gain.

How do I choose a ripe, ready-to-eat avocado?

There are several tips for selecting a perfectly ripe avocado:

• Observe skin color: A ripe avocado generally has a uniformly dark skin.
• Test for suppleness: By exerting light pressure on the avocado, it should be supple without being too soft.
• Check under the stem: If you gently remove the small stalk, the flesh underneath should be light green. If it's brown, the avocado is overripe.

How to store an avocado to prevent darkening?

To preserve the freshness of a cut avocado, we recommend :

• Sprinkle the flesh with lemon juice or vinegar to slow down oxidation.
• Keep the avocado with its pit, which helps reduce contact with the air.
• Wrap in cling film or place in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Use an onion: placing the avocado in a container with a piece of chopped onion helps to limit browning.

What are the different uses ofavocados in cooking?

Theavocado is an extremely versatile ingredient, which can be used in both sweet and savoury recipes:

• In salads: Diced or sliced, it adds a creamy texture and delicate flavor.
• In guacamole: Mixed with lemon, garlic, coriander and chilli, it becomes a tasty sauce.
• In sandwiches and wraps: A perfect substitute for butter or mayonnaise for a healthier meal.
• In smoothies: Its creamy texture goes wonderfully well with fruit and plant-based milk.
• In desserts: It can be used to make chocolate mousse, ice cream or no-bake cheesecakes.

Can avocados be frozen?

Yes, it's possible to freeze avocado, but it's best to do so in puréed form to avoid it becoming too fibrous after thawing. To do this

1. Mash theavocado flesh with a little lemon juice.
2. Place the purée in an airtight bag or jar suitable for freezing.
3. Consume within 3 to 6 months to benefit from all its nutritional qualities.